<p>Any advice on when to start preparing for and taking the GRE? And for how many years are the scores valid? Its because I may work for a few years before going for my PHD.</p>
<p>The scores are valid for 5 years.</p>
<p>As far as preparation time goes, I would hold most activities until about 6 months out - if you are not using it, you are not going to retain it. I would recommend you become an avid reader of challenging material - a great way to internalize vocabulary and good grammar. I would also recommend finding books of math puzzles and trying to do them for fun.</p>
<p>When you hit six months or so, then you can go hardcore, with word lists and practice exams.</p>
<p>Also consider taking a practice exam now and see how you do. If you do well on it, then you won’t need to study as much, and can plan accordingly. </p>
<p>Since it sounds like you may have some time on your hands, there’s always the option to study, take it once, and take it again after more prep if you didn’t do as well as you’d hoped (though they’ll still be able to see the first score).</p>
<p>Hm, subject test I took during senior year college (still a senior- also taking time off), general GRE I’ll take if/when i decide to go to grad school.</p>
<p>I prepped for about 2 weeks.</p>